conventional long form:
Commonwealth of Dominica conventional short form: Dominica

Description:

Dominica is nestled in gleaming Caribbean waters - with Guadeloupe
to the north and Martinique to the south - and its rippling terrain
is shrouded in emerald rainforest. The island features five
volcanoes, and the greenery is protected by several conservation
areas including Cabrits National Park and Morn trois Pitons National
Park; throughout the island run mountain streams, rivers, lakes and
waterfalls, and bursting geysers and bubbling volcanic pools make
the scenery even more breathtaking. The rich vegetation of the
island's spectacular valleys includes towering palms and orchids,
and is home to several endemic animal species, while the coast
boasts beaches of both black (volcanic) and golden sand.

Capital:

Roseau. Population: 14,500 (2005).

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean
Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from
Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Area:

751 sq km (290 sq miles)

Population:

70, 400 (2009)

Languages:

English is the official language, but
French Creole is spoken by most of the population.

Economy- Overview:

Vast areas of the island remain under
cultivation, with bananas, coconuts, citrus fruits and cocoa the
main crops. As the country's prime export sector, the banana
industry has suffered market strain since a World Trade Organization
outlawed previously enjoyed preferential access to key European
markets. To counterbalance any negative impact on economy, the
government has made great efforts to diversify the country's
pecuniary base. Tourism is seen as the sector with greatest promise,
though this has been slower to flourish than in other areas of the
Caribbean. The offshore financial services industry has also been
actively promoted world-wide. However, in a highly competitive
market, success has been limited. At present there is a little light
industry producing vegetable oil, canned juices, cigarettes, soap
and other consumer goods largely for domestic consumption. Dominica
is a member of the Caribbean economic bloc CARICOM and of the
Organisation of East Caribbean States.

Economy:

Vast areas of the island remain under cultivation, with bananas,
coconuts, citrus fruits and cocoa the main crops. As the country's
prime export sector, the banana industry has suffered market strain
since a World Trade Organization outlawed previously enjoyed
preferential access to key European markets. To counterbalance any
negative impact on economy, the government has made great efforts to
diversify the country's pecuniary base. Tourism is seen as the
sector with greatest promise, though this has been slower to
flourish than in other areas of the Caribbean. The offshore
financial services industry has also been actively promoted
world-wide. However, in a highly competitive market, success has
been limited. At present there is a little light industry producing
vegetable oil, canned juices, cigarettes, soap and other consumer
goods largely for domestic consumption. Dominica is a member of the
Caribbean economic bloc CARICOM and of the Organisation of East
Caribbean States.